Today we’d like to introduce you to Kia Street.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Like most people, I began dancing at the age of three. Four years later I had to stop because dance became too expensive for my family. Fast forward to my eighth-grade year; my school district announced it will start a Fine Arts program and asked the upcoming freshman to audition. I decided I wanted to audition and was accepted into the program as a dance major. This is when my true passion for dance began.
I was completely clueless about what I was getting myself into. I didn’t know dance was so broad and amazing. I began taking ballet, jazz, modern, and dance history classes; along with basic kinesiology and composition. I was able to perform in multiple shows every year, attend and compete at dance conventions, we even had the opportunity to attend and perform at the International Association of Blacks in Dance Conference. I do consider myself lucky to have had all those opportunities given to me in a public high school program. I am forever grateful for Fine Arts Magnet at Mt. Zion High School because they planted a seed that is continuously growing.
With all the knowledge I gained, I decided to pursue a degree in dance. I attended Valdosta State University and received my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance. And now I am performing and teaching and loving my growing career.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Being an artist is never easy. When I decided to pursue my degree, and even after I obtained it, people doubted it. My mom was even asked why she was allowing me to major in dance. But that’s everyone’s story, the arts are not completely understood.
My main obstacle as an artist was myself. Not having good self-esteem will put up so many roadblocks. I wouldn’t apply to jobs or go to auditions because I didn’t think I would get them. I didn’t want to fail. I had to get over that or I’d be proving everyone who doubted me right. I am still working on myself (it took a lot for me to even do this interview) but I finally put myself out there. I am currently teaching and performing and I’m happy.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
Well, I am a teacher and a performer. I teach dancers as young as two all the way up. I love teaching, it brings me absolute joy to watch my students work hard in class. If you ask my students what I’m known for, they would probably say being a stern nurturer. I’m the teacher that makes them improv, give them affirmations, and long speeches about self-esteem. I make sure they figure out why they love to dance and to always remember that. Always reminding them to not get caught up in impressing other people but to just dance for themselves. I am also the teacher that does not mess around. My students know they can confide in me but never come to my class not trying their best or acting crazy.
I think I am most proud that I have become the teacher I always wanted to be. I still have a lot of growing to do but it’s only going to get better.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Not sure I can pick just one. Seeing my little four-year-olds perform, watching students find themselves during improv, performing in shows with powerful messages, a student asking for a hug after a bad day; all of that makes me proud. It means I’m doing what I was put on this earth to do.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: kia_dancing
Image Credit:
Devi Knapp Creative, Chris Richmond, Sarah Wildes Arnett
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